Creators of the phenomenally successful Gogo’s Crazy Bones, Magic Box International has just launched a new collectable into the market. Katie Roberts found out more about Bungees…
Bungees are colourful, collectable, magnetic figurines with an innovative ‘flick to stick’ gameplay, which Magic Box hopes will add an addictive element to the range making it a ‘genuine contender’ to be the next big playground craze.
The toys are sold in bright, distinctive packaging, with retail prices at just £1.50 for a packet.
Soft and tactile when handled, Bungees roll and stick via their magnetic bases when flicked onto a Bungee Board or Bungee Card. Each of the toys has ratings for precision, bounce and stickiness, allowing kids to choose tactically, depending on what game they are playing.
There are 96 Bungees to collect, split into a number of Bungee Clans and characters with the best gaming abilities are known as Clan Leaders. There are also 48 Bungee Cards, each one showing a different character and its gaming abilities.
Each packet of Bungees includes one Bungee, one Bungee Card and a Mini Game Guide. Collectors will have the option to purchase Bungee Bags in a variety of colours, which come with one packet for £2.50. A Starter Pack will also be available, including a large game board, one Bungee, one Bungee card, a game guide and a checklist poster for £4.99.
Bungees are aimed at children aged five to 11 and in testing, the target audience has responded very well to the product. Bungees launched first in the UK, ahead of a European and then a worldwide roll-out.
Trade reaction to the product has also been positive, and the launch will see Bungees on the counter of over 20,000 outlets nationwide.
Stuart Grant, buying director at The Entertainer, commented: “The more I play with Bungees, the more I love the product. A new innovative collectable with real gameplay – it’s the perfect combination. I believe it will be the must-have playground craze in 2012.”
Distributor Esdevium Games’ sales director Steve Buckmaster said: “With Bungees, Magic Box International has mixed cool collectable figures with incredibly addictive gameplay. Bungees bring real originality to a crowded marketplace, which will really make it stand out.”
Ben Harper, UK director, Magic Box International, added: “We’re thrilled with the reaction to Bungees. This is an innovative new concept with enormous collectable potential. We think kids and parents will love the product and appreciate the exceptional value for money.”
The launch is being supported by a heavyweight TV advertising campaign focusing on the core target audience. This will be complemented by extensive free product sampling, ensuring ample opportunity to see and test the new product, along with the new website.
Bungees will be available to the toy trade through Esdevium Games.
